5 Flexible Ways to Use Multi-Subject Homeschool Resources

March 29, 2019
Written by:
Jamie Gaddy
Elementary Homeschool, Homeschool High School, Homeschool Resources, Homeschooling Curriculum

This post has been sponsored by Classical Academic Press and Time4Learning.com

We’ve all been there before. You are standing at the entrance to a homeschool convention exhibitors hall with the hundreds of homeschool resources stretching out before us. Your eyes glazing over – pulse racing – wondering if searching for a new curriculum was worth it at all!

Types of Multi-Subject Curriculum

Even if you’ve not made it to a convention, just googling homeschool resources can be mind-boggling. Sometimes it’s just easier for the first time homeschooler – or the very busy mom – to use a multi-subject or “big box” curriculum. Even with that simplified choice, there are still a wide variety of types and styles to choose from. Multi-subject curriculum comes in many forms:

  • Text-based complete curriculum – This is very similar to traditional school learning. Parents use the texts to teach their children lessons. Most often this type of curriculum will also include pre-made tests and quizzes that the parent can use to assess their student’s achievement.
  • Video-based curriculum – This homeschooling option includes using pre-made videos to teach students in a typical classroom-like setting. For most video-based options, there are texts and paper tests/quizzes that accompany the video instruction. Though the instruction is through video, the parent will still need to keep track of lessons and tests and quizzes.
  • Streaming or online homeschool curriculum – This is a great option for large homeschool families, those who want a customized homeschool plan, and perfect for those homeschoolers just getting started. It really simplifies the whole homeschool process with learning taking place online as well as tests and quizzes which they score and give immediate feedback. This essentially makes it hassle-free for the homeschooling parent.
  • Literature-based complete curriculum – This type of curriculum includes all subjects and uses fiction or biographical literature to teach students. This typically includes Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, Physical Development, Fitness, Fine Arts, Character Development, and Bible.

How to Use Multi-Subject Homeschool Curriculum

Each of these types of homeschool curriculum is designed to meet specific needs and can save the homeschool parent plenty of time in planning. All of these options can be used for the regular school year, and all year homeschool schedules, or even as summer learning. Over the years, we’ve seen these multi-subject homeschool curriculum used in a variety of ways:

  • Use the multi-subject homeschool curriculum to school year-round with an adjusted weekly scheduled. We’ve seen many homeschool families move to a four day homeschool week and homeschool year round. Some homeschoolers will often start homeschooling in January and end in December. A multi-subject curriculum makes that easy.
  • Multi-subject homeschool programs work great with a looping homeschool schedule. Looping homeschool scheduling is becoming a popular way to avoid monotony in your homeschool daily schedule! With a looping homeschool schedule, you can create a list of homeschool studies and then each day set a “time limit” for your studies. If you make it through 4 subjects out of 10 on that day – that’s fine. The next day you’ll pick up with #5 and keep working through your list. Each day will be slightly different but you’ll be on track to schedule.
  • Use it to combine lessons/subjects for teaching several children who are close in age. This works well when you have, for example, a third and fourth grader. You can combine as many subjects as possible and teach one grade to both one year, and then switch to the other grade the next year. However, math and language arts may be two subjects you consider to keep separate to meet the individual’s needs.
  • Use the multi-subject curriculum as the foundation of core study and then supplement with other high-interest courses to help keep your students motivation high.
  • Take your multi-subject homeschool curriculum at face value. Typically, a full multi-subject curriculum has a complete offering for all subject your student needs to study. If you feel that this is adequate for your child’s individual needs – then run with it. Don’t sweat the small stuff and just follow the course plans that come with your curriculum.

 

Special thanks to our multi-subject homeschool curriculum sponsors!!

#HOMESCHOOL CURRICULUM

Jamie Gaddy

Jamie Gaddy, B.S., M.Ed., Ed.D. has been a college education professor for over 17 years. Education has been a part of her life in both the classroom and as a principal. Six children later found her dissatisfied with traditional school and homeschool became the better fit. She is also a pastor’s wife, editor, and entrepreneur who now homeschools four of her six children in Georgia. Jamie loves to share about her homeschool experience to help other homeschoolers find success. Connect with her at [email protected].